Did you know that plants are always in a CO2 deficient condition if not managed properly? The CO2 in the air in a greenhouse or grow room can be depleted rapidly by actively growing plants. Plant growth ceases when the level gets below 200 ppm. A level above 1,500 ppm is not economical. Research has shown that levels of 800 to 1,000 ppm can increase cannabis yields 10 percent to 25 percent. Photosynthesis is the process which involves a chemical reaction between water and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the presence of light to make food (sugars) for plants, and as a by-product, releases oxygen in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide currently comprises 0.04 percent (400 parts per million) of the atmospheric volume. It is a colorless and odorless minor gas in the atmosphere, but has an important role for sustaining life. Plants take in CO2 through small cellular pores called stomata in the leaves during the day. During respiration (oxidation of stored sugars in plants producing energy and CO2) plants take in oxygen (O2) and give off CO2, which complements photosynthesis when plants take in CO2 and give off O2. The CO2 produced during respiration is always less than the amount of CO2 taken in during photosynthesis. So, plants are always in a CO2 deficient condition, which limits their potential growth. Why measure CO2 and VO2? https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/hla/greenhouse-carbon-dioxide-supplementation-hla-6723.pdf
The optimum level of CO2, depends on light intensity, temperature and maturity stage. It is most effective during the bud to flowering stage. CO2 is only effective for plant growth when there is light. Why Measure CO2 and VO2?
Keeping the other growing conditions ideal by utilizing our Grow Linc Solution, supplemental CO2 can provide improved plant growth.
Advantages
• Increase in photosynthesis results in increased growth rates and biomass production
• Plants have earlier maturity and more crops can be harvested annually
• Supplemental CO2 provides additional heat (depending upon the method of supplementation) through burners,which will reduce heating cost in winter.
• It helps to reduce transpiration and increases water use efficiency, resulting in reduced water use during crop production.
Disadvantages
• Higher production cost with a CO2 generation system
• Plants may not show a positive response to supplemental CO2 because of other limiting factors such as nutrients, water and light. All factors need to be at optimum levels.
V02
VO2 is the measure of Oxygen in the air. As plant respire during photosynthesis they release O2 back into the air. Too high level of V02 will reduce growth and it is essential to maintain optimal growing conditions during photosynthesis. Having an active V02 monitor as we do in our Grow Linc Monitoring system, allows you to set your desired V02 levels during each stage of the plants life cycle. When the readings are outside of these “ideal conditions”, you will receive an alert and recommendations on what adjustments need to be made to get back to your “sweet spot”.
Want to get started on your next project? Contact us todayhttps://webdev.check-it.ca/reach-out/. Why Measure CO2 and VO2?
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